Crave Me, Daddy’s Good Girl

VERONICA POV

“Why don’t you put these glasses on?”

I stood in the middle of our bedroom in the hot-red lingerie I’d bought specially for our fifth anniversary, heart hammering with nervous hope. Jason had just walked in from work. Those were the first words out of his mouth.

“W-what?”

I’ve known for a long time that things haven’t been the best in our sex life. Jason always seems like he’d rather be anywhere but with me whenever we’re in bed. But seeing the look of disinterest as he scans my body breaks my heart more than just a little.

I can’t help but cover my body even more in shame. He’s holding up a pair of glasses, and it’s not just that — in his arms are clothes: a revealing tank top and an extremely short tennis skirt.

“Jason, what is this?”

“It’s just something to spice up the bedroom, Veronica. Don’t think too much about it, c’mon… come try it on.”

“But this isn’t even my style. It seems like… something Moni, my best friend, would wear.”

When I trail off, his face contorts and I know instantly I’ve messed up. He’s angry now, throwing the clothes on the floor and cursing. I flinch back instinctively, scared he might raise his hands on me as usual.

“So, we can’t even try something new?! I’m sick and tired of your bullshit, Veronica! This is why you’re not attractive anymore!”

His words rip me apart and my eyes burn with unshed tears. “Jaso—”

“Veronica! Earth to Veronica!” My best friend, Moni, singsongs, snapping me out of my thoughts.

We’re catching up in a café. She just got back in town after three years last month, and we’ve barely been able to see each other since.

I wince. “I’m sorry, I was just thinking about last night…”

“Oh, fuck that loser!” Moni snaps. I have no idea why she hates Jason so much. It makes no sense. “You deserve way better, babe. Don’t stress over that shithead… okay?”

I nod slowly, forcing a small smile even though the word stings. “But don’t call him shithead. He’s still my sweetheart. It was just a little misunderstanding.

She rolls her eyes. “Oh please… you keep—” Her phone rings.

“Babe…” flashes on the screen with a red heart emoji.

“I have to take this. I’ll be right back,” she says, already standing and walking toward the entrance.

Babe? Moni never told me she had a boyfriend… She’s one of the biggest men-haters I know ever since the incident that happened back in high school with her ex. Is she hiding things from me now?

“Hey, waiter,” I call, waving him over. “Two lattes and two croissants, please.”

“Five minutes,” he says.

I nod.

Moni bounces back to the table, face glowing.

“Veronica, my boss at the art gallery just called. I have to go now. When would you be heading home? I need to know what time to come over later.”

I raise an eyebrow. “Are you dating your boss or having some dirty secret affair?”

She laughs, but I could tell, for a fact, it was halfhearted. “What do you mean by that, Veronica? My boss? Oh please, that man is a jerk.”

“You’re hiding something from me now?”

“Girl, please. I’m not Jason,” she snaps. “Just tell me when you’ll be home.”

I swallow hard. “I’m not sure yet. I haven’t heard anything from the medical department. But probably in about four hours.”

Her smile flashes. “Perfect. Love you—bye!” She’s already halfway to the door.

“Wait—the extra croissant—”

Damn it. She’s gone.